How to fix ERROR_FILE_CORRUPT

Description

The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.

Causes

• Physical Disk Damage: The storage device may have physical damage causing file corruption.
• Improper Shutdowns: Unexpected shutdowns or power failures can lead to file corruption.
• Software Conflicts: Conflicts or bugs within software can corrupt files during read/write operations.
• Bad Sectors on Disk: Bad sectors on the disk can corrupt the data stored in those sectors.

Solutions

Run CHKDSK Utility

Use the built-in Windows CHKDSK utility to check for and repair disk errors. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command chkdsk /f followed by the drive letter. This can identify and fix bad sectors, recovering corrupted files.

Use System File Checker

Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command sfc /scannow. This process can help restore the integrity of critical system files.

Restore from Backup

If the corrupted file is critical, restore it from a backup. Regular backups are essential to prevent data loss due to file corruption. Use backup software or built-in tools like Windows Backup and Restore to retrieve the file.

Update Software and Drivers

Ensure all software and drivers are up-to-date. Software updates can fix bugs that might cause file corruption, and updated drivers can improve the reliability of data storage operations.

Avoid Improper Shutdowns

Prevent unexpected shutdowns by using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for your computer. Ensure that the system is properly shut down to avoid file corruption due to power failures.

Use Disk Diagnostic Tools

Employ disk diagnostic tools provided by your hard drive manufacturer to check the health of your disk. These tools can provide a detailed analysis of disk health and identify potential hardware issues.

Reformat the Drive

If the file corruption is widespread and other solutions fail, consider reformatting the drive. Ensure you back up all important data before reformatting, as this process will erase all data on the drive. Reformatting can resolve persistent file system corruption.

Replace Faulty Hardware

If the storage device is physically damaged or the corruption errors persist despite trying all software solutions, consider replacing the hardware. Faulty drives can continuously cause file corruption due to underlying physical issues.